Marine Vessel Battery Control for Engine Start Priority Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Marine vessels face challenges in effectively controlling multiple batteries, leading to potential engine starting issues due to reduced voltage or power storage in the main battery, which can prevent return to port if the engine cannot be started.
Innovation Solution
A control device that prioritizes charging the main battery by prohibiting transition to motor drive modes and preventing charging of the load battery when the main battery's voltage or power storage is low, causing the engine to rotate and charge the main battery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the marine vessel operates in motor drive mode for extended periods, then the drive battery can be charged, but the main battery voltage or power storage amount decreases below acceptable levels
Solution Approach 1:
The control device continuously monitors the voltage or power storage amount of the main battery and provides feedback to the operation mode determination unit. When the main battery's voltage or power storage falls below a predetermined threshold, the system automatically adjusts operation modes to prioritize main battery charging, ensuring engine starting capability is maintained through closed-loop control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different operation modes (motor drive mode, engine drive mode, hybrid mode) based on real-time battery status. The operation mode determination unit adjusts the propeller drive configuration dynamically, transitioning from motor-only operation to engine-assisted operation when main battery charge levels drop, allowing flexible adaptation to maintain both drive battery charging and main battery health.
2Reliability
If the system prioritizes charging the main battery, then engine starting capability is ensured, but the drive battery charging speed and load battery charging are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes operational parameters (engine rotation status, operation modes) based on main battery charge levels. When main battery voltage or power storage drops below thresholds, the parameter change unit modifies system behavior to prioritize main battery charging, accepting reduced overall charging speed as a necessary trade-off to maintain engine starting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device proactively monitors main battery status and takes preliminary action by adjusting operation modes before the main battery becomes completely depleted. By detecting early signs of low charge and preemptively switching to engine-driven charging modes, the system prevents critical battery failure while maintaining optimal charging performance.
3Productivity
If multiple batteries are charged simultaneously, then overall charging efficiency is improved, but the main battery may not receive sufficient charge to ensure engine starting
Solution Approach 1:
The control device segments the charging process into priority levels, with the main battery receiving highest priority when its charge level drops below thresholds. The charging control unit divides available charging power according to battery status, ensuring the main battery is charged first and foremost to maintain engine starting capability, while other batteries charge in subsequent priority order.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different charging strategies to different batteries based on their specific needs and priorities. The main battery receives preferential charging treatment (higher current, higher priority) when its voltage or power storage falls below predetermined levels, while other batteries receive standard charging. This localized quality adjustment ensures critical battery health is maintained without compromising overall system efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
In a control device for a battery of a marine vessel, a first value indicating either a voltage or a power storage amount of a main battery to supply electric power to start the engine is acquired. When the first value that has been acquired is smaller than a first threshold value, at least one of a prohibition of a transition to a motor drive mode in which a propeller is driven by using at least a motor regardless of an operation mode that is designated and a prohibition of charging a load battery is performed, and the engine is caused to rotate to charge the main battery.